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Georgia OL Long has surgery on broken hand; not ruled out for bowl game

Austin Long’s chances of breaking into Georgia’s starting lineup for the bowl game are probably over.

The junior offensive tackle underwent outpatient surgery on Thursday at St. Mary’s Hospital for a broken right hand after sustaining the injury Wednesday in a blocking drill.

“It’s something that actually won’t even count him out in the game,” Richt said. “You could club a guy and protect what’s been done surgically, so there’s even a chance he could even play in the game, but we don’t think it’ll affect spring ball at all.”

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo had said that Long and Mark Beard were competing for starting jobs during bowl practices.

Tight end Jay Rome (hip flexor) also missed practice Thursday.

“I don’t know how bad Jay’s (injury) is,” Richt said.

Tavarres King (hamstring) and nose guard John Jenkins (concussion) remain out. Receiver Malcolm Mitchell (groin) practiced against the scout team on Thursday.